Basketball Rules And Regulations Comparison

You pass the ball, you dribble the ball, you shoot the ball. It can’t get much simpler than that, right? While the basic rules of the game of basketball are uniform throughout the world, there are some important rules differences between the various leagues that play the game.

In the chart below, we have highlighted the major differences between the NBA, FIBA and NCAA rules. Take a look at the comparison charts below. The next time you are watching sports and a basketball game is on, you will know exactly what is happening, whether it be the NBA Finals, the Gold Medal game in the Olympics or March Madness.

NBA vs. FIBA

Rule

NBA

FIBA

Court Size

94′ X 50′

91′ 10″ X 49′ 2.5″

Lane Size

16′ X 19′

19′ 8″ X 19′

Three-Point Line

23’9″ away

20’6″ away

Shot Clock

24 seconds

35 seconds

Shot Clock Reset After

shot hits the rim

shot is released

Personal Foul Limit

6

5

Penalty

5 team fouls per quarter

8 team fouls per half

Possession After a Held Ball

jump ball

jump ball

Make Contact With Ball Above Cylinder

no

yes

Number of Referees

3

2

NCAA Basketball Rules

NCAA men vs. NCAA women

Rule

NCAA men

NCAA women

Court Size

94′ X 50′

94′ X 50′

Lane Size

12′ X 19′

12′ X 19′

Three-Point Line

19′ 9″ away

19′ 9″ away

Shot Clock

35 seconds

30 seconds

Shot Clock Reset After

shot hits the rim

shot hits the rim

Personal Foul Limit

5

5

Penalty

7 team fouls per half

7 team fouls per half

Possession After a Held Ball

possession arrow

possession arrow

Make Contact With Ball Above Cylinder

no

no

Number of Referees

3

3

The links below take you to the official rulebooks of the NBA, FIBA and NCAA. Everything is included in the rules, from the dimensions of the court to the size of the basketball hoop. If you need specific information about each of these governing bodies’ basketball rules, link below: